Lamborghini lobs fresh-faced Aventador S

At next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Lamborghini will debut a new mid-tier version of its V12-powered supercar dubbed Aventador S, which will sit above the ‘entry level’ LP 700-4 but below the range-topping LP 750-4 Superveloce (SV).

Priced at $788,914 before on-road costs, the Aventador S will cost $102,586 less than the flagship $891,500 SV and $27,414 more than the $761,500 base version.

Although powered by the same monstrous 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 as its siblings, the S version has been tuned for a power output of 544kW – thanks to a tweak in the variable valve timing and lift – which is 29kW more than the LP 700-4 and just 8kW short of the SV.

Peak torque remains unchanged across the three variants at 690Nm, but in the new Aventador S, the twisting force is available over a wider rev range and the limiter has been raised to 8500 rpm.

Pushing power to all four corners via the familiar seven-speed automated manual gearbox, the 1575kg Aventador S will sprint from zero to 100 kilometres in 2.9 seconds, and if the right foot is kept on the throttle, carry on to hit a 350km/h top speed.

Lamborghini has added a new driving mode called Ego which allows drivers to individually tweak traction, steering and suspension

The Aventador S will return an average fuel economy figure of 16.9 litres per 100km thanks to cylinder deactivation technology in low speed operation.

400mm carbon-ceramic brakes are tucked behind 20-inch rims wrapped in 255/30 bespoke Pirelli P Zeros at the front, while the rear axle makes use of 380mm sized carbon-ceramic brakes and 21-inch rims shod in 355/25 rubber.

Lamborghini has also fettled the suspension, chassis control, aerodynamic and steering settings to keep the, now five-year old Aventador platform fresh against newer competitors.

The Aventador S utilises a four-wheel steering system, which turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction at low speeds to tighten the turning circle, and turns all four wheels in the same direction at high speeds for even greater composure.

To accommodate the new four corner steering system, Lamborghini has lightly tweaked the push-rod suspension and updated the Aventador’s electronic stability control (ESC) software.

Most noticeably, a new rear diffuser (available in carbon-fibre) adorns the hind end which also incorporates a new and bespoke exhaust system which finishes in a centrally-mounted triangular triple outlet.

The front fascia has also been restyled to better direct air flow into the gaping side scoops which lead directly into the rear-mounted radiators to cool the hard-charging V12 engine.

A speed-dependent rear spoiler will deploy to boost downforce which, when combined with chassis changes, will result in 130kg more downforce on the front end compared to the LP 700-4.

Inside, Lamborghini has added a new driving mode called Ego to the existing Strada, Sport and Corsa settings, which allows drivers to individually tweak traction, steering and suspension to find their perfect balance.

Instrumentation has also been completely digitised and is customisable across the three different driving modes, mirroring its Audi parent company’s virtual cockpit display, and Apple CarPlay is now standard.

Did Lamborghini do enough to keep the ageing Aventador fresh amid its newer top-end supercar competition?